Rooted for a Lifetime

There’s a troubling trend in the world right now that we’re seeing virtually everywhere. In politics, in media, and yes, even in the church.

There are numerous folks whose influence has outgrown character.

We live in a world where anyone with a smartphone and a social media account can become an “authority” on anything without ever demonstrating depth of life or integrity. It’s a culture of platforms without roots and of voices amplified beyond their wisdom. And the results are showing.

Unfortunately, Christians aren’t immune to this. In fact, sometimes we’ve been complicit in it. We’ve traded discernment for entertainment. We’ve mistaken charisma for calling. We’ve elevated leaders who speak smoothly but live shallowly and when their lives fall apart, we act shocked. But should we be?

The biblical model is different. It’s not flashy, not viral, not built on followers or views. It’s built on roots.

Faith That Grows Deep, Not Just Wide

In Mark 6:14–29, we’re confronted with a haunting story—the beheading of John the Baptist. Not exactly a bedtime story for the kids. It’s a brutal tale of power, pride, and moral cowardice. Herod had influence. John had character. And only one of them was rooted.

Herod liked to listen to John. Respected him. Was fascinated by him and even protected him…to a point. But when push came to shove, Herod chose comfort over conviction, popularity over truth. He liked the idea of righteousness, but not the disruption it required. Sound familiar?

This passage is a mirror held up to modern faith. So many admire Jesus. Quote Him. Share inspirational memes about Him. But when His words challenge our politics, our prejudices, our priorities or our pocketbooks, we tune out. That’s not rooted faith. That’s performative religion.

Against the Grain of American Culture

Let’s not pretend this kind of rootedness comes easy in today’s America. We’re swimming upstream in a culture that values hurry over substance. Attention over authenticity. Opinions over truth.

We are constantly told to “build our platform,” “speak our truth,” and “maximize influence.” But Jesus said, “Abide in Me.” (John 15:4)

Rootedness doesn’t always show up on a screen. It shows up in long-suffering kindness. In costly love. In refusing to bow to the idols of comfort and consumerism that plague both our politics and our pews.

It means sometimes saying no to party loyalty and yes to loyalty to the Gospel.

It means letting go of comfort and embracing renewal.

It means recognizing that “the good old days” aren’t behind us—they’re still possible, but they require deeper roots and greater trust.

The Church That Holds Together

I’ve always been amazed by the redwood forests. The redwood trees grow hundreds of feet tall, yet their root systems are surprisingly shallow. So how do they stand?

They hold each other up. Their roots interlock underground.

That’s the kind of church we need. Not one that’s built on appearances and individual pietism, but one that’s bound together in love and humility. One where old and young believers support one another, and where no one feels left out of God’s purposes.

Ephesians 3:17–18 gives us the prayer: “I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power… to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.”

That’s what it means to be rooted for a lifetime.

Reflection Question:

Where are your roots? Are they in your politics, your preferences, your pocketbook—or are they in Christ?

Closing Prayer:

Lord, grow our roots deep in You. In a world obsessed with quick results and shallow influence, teach us to embrace the slow, quiet work of Your Spirit. Help us to be people of substance, not spectacle. Let our lives bear fruit that outlasts us—and may we be the kind of church that holds each other up. Amen.